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TIRANA – Delayed but positive. With these words President Ilir Meta has assessed the decision of the High Judicial Council (HJC) to end the mandate of Ardian Dvorani as member of the High Court and that of Justice Appointments Council (JAC).
Starting from Thursday evening Dvorani is neither a judge at the High Court nor JAC chairman. The HJC ruled on Thursday evening to terminate both mandates of Dvorani. The result of the vote was 6 to 3.
Meta said that he is not interested in specific names, but Dvorani’s dismissal is an opportunity to maintain the integrity of the new justice institutions.
“I believe the position of the President remains that of the Constitution and the law, which have been very clear. Yesterday’s decision was a delayed one but positive. It is an opportunity to maintain the integrity of new justice institutions,” said Meta who was involved in a tough battle in what will be recalled as the ‘Dvorani’ case.
Earlier this year, Meta asked the HJC and the High Court to end Dvorani’s mandates at the High Court and JAC. In a letter sent to the two institutions, which was made public, he argued that Dvorani’s mandate is overdue and he had been replaced in the High Court.
“As President, I am not interested in individual names. Legitimacy in relation with the Constitution is important. Respect for the Constitution and laws remains a crucial point,” President pointed out.
To realize the controversy of the case it is enough to bring to the attention what two HJC members said. During the meeting, Marcela Shehu said that staying in office over time violates constitutional principles. While another member, Brikena Ukperaj was against Dvorani’s departure, stressing that his obligation to stay in the Supreme Court is not over.
Dvorani was appointed to the High Court in 2005 and his 9-year term ended in February of 2014, but he was smart enough to keep his position. This is another ample example of the rotten judiciary system in Albania. /argumentum.al
